Tools 2 Thrive
December 2021 WELLNESS CENTER NEWSLETTER
THIS MONTH, THE WELLNESS DEPARTMENT
recognizes that with the last month of the year finally arriving, in addition to the holiday and the first semester ending, stress levels are rising because of the short amount of time to meet certain deadlines. It may feel like there is not enough time to do everything we have on our to do list which can affect our mental health. We noticed that around this time of year our students, parents and staff are feeling overwhelmed which is why we acknowledge that even though it may be a month of joy and getting things done, it is okay to stop, breath and take a break to do some self care for yourself and those around you.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed and important to recognize if we, or our children, are experiencing stress. In this newsletter we outline how to do a mental health check in with your teen and ways in which you can support them. We also offer tips and and activities to keep students busy and engaged throughout the break.
Taking care of your teen also means recognizing your needs. Therefore, we discuss how to identify if you are suffering from stress and offer tools and tips for stress management. It is hard to find a balance this time of the year. Remember to practice loving kindness towards yourself and others. By modeling this healthy behavior you teach your teen how to have self-compassion.
How to Recognize Stress in your Teen
Mental Health Check in
9 Ways to Support your Teens
Step 1: Actively Listen
Step 2: Support a growth mindset
Step 3: Help your teen find balance
Step 4: Create a schedule
Step 5: Create a calm study environment
Help your teen create a study space that inspires them- set up a work zone where they can focus and get away from distractions.
Step 6: Promote Sleep
Step 7: Boost exercise and healthy eating
Step 8: Encourage mindfulness activities
Step 9: Inspire enjoyment
Ways to Keep Teens Busy
Family Activities
Mindfulness Exercises for Teens
How to Recognize when you are Stressed out
Stress Management Tips
Holiday Stress Tips
Know your spending limit. Lack of money is one of the biggest causes of stress during the holiday season. This year, set a budget, and don't spend more than you've planned. Don't buy gifts that you'll spend the rest of the year trying to pay off.
Give something personal. You can show love and caring with any gift that is meaningful and personal. It doesn't have to cost a lot. Or use words instead of an expensive gift to let people know how important they are to you. Make a phone call or write a note and share your feelings.
Get organized. Make lists or use an appointment book to keep track of tasks to do and events to attend.
Share the tasks. You don't have to do everything yourself. Share your "to do" list with others. Spend time with friends and family while you share tasks like decorating, wrapping gifts, and preparing the holiday meal.
Learn to say no. It's okay to say "no" to events that aren't important to you. This will give you more time to say "yes" to events that you do want to attend.
Be realistic. Try not to put pressure on yourself to create the perfect holiday for your family. Focus instead on the traditions that make holidays special for you. And remember that just because it's a holiday, family problems don't go away. If you have a hard time being around your relatives, it's okay to set limits on your time at events and visits.